Campgrounds, short-stay cabins proposed for three coastal Oregon state parks

by Associated Press

In this March 28, 2017 photo, the Oregon coast and Pacific Ocean is seen from Cascade Head near Otis, Ore., Droves of people are moving to America's 33rd state, drawn by its natural beauty and job opportunities, but the fast growth has created a housing crisis. (AP Photo/Andrew Selsky)

LINCOLN CITY, Ore. (AP) — Oregon park officials are proposing short-stay cabins and a small campground for Fogarty Creek in a plan for the 25 state parks on the Oregon Coast between Lincoln City and Yachats.

The plan also proposes expanded camping at South Beach State Park, along with a new disc golf course. Both projects join an ongoing plan for a new 100-site campground at Brian Booth State Park, the Salem Statesman Journal reported Friday.

"We've known for a long time that coastal state parks are over capacity when it comes to camping," said Ian Matthews, park planner for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. "In too many cases, we're having to turn people away because a campground is full."

The 283-page proposal, which also includes plans for new trail systems and picnic areas, is a wish list for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Matthews said.

"It's what we'd like to do during the next 10 to 20 years," he said. "But only if we can find the money for it."

The cost of the proposed upgrades would be about $12 million. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's budget for 2017-19 is $220 million.